Discovering your dog’s genetic mix is easier and cheaper than you think, thanks to the various dog DNA tests available. These tests are able to detect over 200 of the most prominent dog breeds.
Companies that specialize in dog DNA testing entice dog owners to perform these tests by appealing to their curiosity. Dog owners with mixed breed dogs have probably often wondered to themselves about the ancestry of their dogs and discovering they can find out, for the price of a few short dollars, is indeed delightful news to many.
Collecting the dog DNA is pretty easy, just swab the inside of both cheeks of the dog and send to the DNA service provider and before long you will have a full report about your dog’s genetic makeup.
But before you whip out your wallet to pay for your dog DNA test, it is important that you know exactly what you are paying for. So, when you order a DNA test for your dog, what exactly do you get in return?
1. Curiosity, satisfied!
Man is a curious animal by nature and will jump at any chance to satisfy his curiosity. If you have often found yourself wondering about the ancestry of your dog, Dog DNA tests present you with the opportunity to satisfy your curiosity. If you suspect that your dog is a pure breed, then performing a dog DNA test can help you confirm your suspicion.
2. Stay ahead of the health curve
Confirming your dog’s genetic makeup can help you stay up to date with your dog’s needs. Certain dogs are prone to specific illnesses; the Siberian huskies are predisposed to getting autoimmune diseases, bulldogs are vulnerable to respiratory illnesses, and the German shepherd’s Achilles heel is hip dysplasia.
Discussing your dog DNA test result with the vet can help keep you up to date on best preventive health practices to maximise your mutt’s chances of living a long and fulfilled life. In dogs predisposed to certain kinds of cancer, such as the boxer, you improve your chances of early detection and this could literally save the dog’s life.
3. Determine the best fit
Even before dog DNA tests became popular, dog shelters were using DNA to place dogs in homes. Knowing the genetic mix of a pooch can affect successful home placements for the dog. It can give answers to questions that often arise when you want to get a dog, or give one up for adoption. Questions like “How big is he going to get?”, “Is he good with children?”, “Will he do well as an apartment dog?”
Dog DNA test reports can help guide the shelter and adopter to the right answer and provide tips on how to enhance desirable traits that are a part of the dog’s genetic makeup.
4. Customised food
Dog food producers are using the ease with which a dog’s genetic makeup can be discovered to create food targeted at specific breeds of dog. Research is geared towards creating breed-specific dog food that has the ability to prevent ailments present in that specific dog breeds or give the dog the specific food that will help him grow best.
Interesting, definitely good to know some of the roots of your pet. I think cat owners could do this too.